The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-30

sickness, as in the case of O. NJ. Meyncke. or
other causes that kept them away. 1t was con
sdered a whole, however. as the most inter-
esting session the Academy has had
Yesterday morning the reading OF papers De-
gan with that of Prof. O. z. Hay, of Butler
University, who described some peculiar habits
he had noticed in the southern Congo eel cher
ly with regard to the habit of the mother brood
ing over the eggs. Specimens were exhibited OF
the animal and it's eggs.
This opened the way for the botanical papers,
the last subject represented the programme
Miss Lille j. Martin, of this city. read paper
upon the need of plant chemistry in which she
chemists, as to the desirability of such work. Dr.
Noyes, of the Rose Polytechnic, suggested that
the work of studying the complex substances
founo in plants entirely too difficult and
tlme-consuming to be ordinarily undertaken.
Prof. Stanley Coulter of Purdue University.
described the minute structures of the leaves or
the cypress. showing how its structures were
rudimentary, as compared with that of the
leaves of spruces and pines. The leaves of these
trees are much more complex than those of other
plants. and SO are of great use in classification
Mr.. j. n. Rose, assistant botanist at Wabash
College, spoke of the characters which he AID
Prof. j. Nj. Coulter, in their study OF the family
of umbellifers, had discovered as useful in clas-
siication. The family is very difficult one to
study, and Prof. Coulter and Mr.. Rose are en-
gagged upon a revision of tho North American
species. The useful characters which they dis
covered are found in the minute structures or
the fruit
Prof. John NJ Coulter, of Wabash College,
breathing pores of the long moss" of the South:
1t is an air plant and the mechanism described
enabled it to supply and regulate IN amount the
moisture necessary to it's life.
Mr.. Walter H. Evans, a postgraduate student
at Wabash College. read paper upon llchens.
He is engaged In making a catalogue OF the
lichens of the State, group that is very little
worked. He gave directions for collecting the
species, and offered to name any that were sent
to him.
Prof. J. c. Arthur of Purdue University. de-
had IF tho N, -laaf fIrD
gus" parasite upon the leaves of plums, cher
rles, etc., which is peculiar among plants as hav-
ing neither common nor scientific name Its
life history had never been made out, but DIT
Arthur, by series of observations, extending
through several years, had succeeded in com
pleting the scientists knowledge with reference
to it. The summer spores produced by the
fungus in great abundance in the late sum
mer and autumn, and are for the
rapid distribution of the fungus This is the
stage In which the greatest injury is done TO the
trees. The affected leaves fall prematurely, and
after a time there is produced upon them
great abundance of very minute, colorlsss
spores whose function is not known. At the
beginning of warm weather in the spring the
same spots upon the leaves, still lying upon the
ground. form other structures. in which are
produced the final and most important spores,
known ascospores. When these terminate
upon the leaves OF plum trees they reproduce
the fungus, and the cycle is complete.
Judge Thomas B. Redding, of New Castle,
read the abstract of paper upon the evolution
of man. Beginning with inorganic matter he
outlined the process by which hrst plants, tnen
animals, and finally man were developed. All
of this referred to structure. mere vitality, and
not to spirit.
The Academy then adjourned, to meet ct
Wyandotte Cave, May 2. 1888
A Western Society of Naturalists Organized
In the afternoon at the New Denison Hotel,
fifteen scientists met and organized the West
erin Society of Nsturalsts. Its purpose is to
discuss methods of teaching and investigation,
and to provide measures of administration. A
similar society has existed in the East for sever
al years, and its work has been found conducive
in widening scientific methods. Like it, the
Western society will be limited to professional
the membership embracing those Of
Ohio. Indiana. Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wis
consln and Minnesota a constitution and by
laws were adopted, after which the following
officers elected:
Presidents. a. Forbes. Illinois State University.
Cham paign.
vice-presidents-W. ). Beal Michigan Agricultural
College; G. .. Whitman, Milwaukee, and II. i. 0s-
born, Hamilton College. Minnesota.
Secretary-Dr. j. s Kin gsiev. Indiana University.
Treasurer-J. II. Coulter, Wabash College.
The annual meetings to be held in Octo-
Der. the first occurring next year Champaign,
Ill